Chappie (2015)

In the near future, crime is patrolled by a mechanized police force, but one police droid, Chappie, is stolen and given new programming, he becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself.

Although quite violent and rude at times, this sci-fi movie is more like a fairy-tale in disguise and does show some heart and emotion.

Alexis Smith

Bio:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_Smith

Mighty Joe Young (1949)

 

 

A young woman who has raised a giant gorilla from an infant brings him to Hollywood years later seeking her fortune in order to save her family's ranch.

 

Charming rip-off of King Kong clearly aimed at a younger audience (despite a lot of violent mayhem there seem to be no fatalities) with the same great special effects and a fast-paced, lively plot with a happy ending.

 

Halliwell*: "Rather tired comic-sentimental follow-up to King Kong, with a tedious plot and variable animation but a few endearing highlights."

 

Maltin***: "Updating of KING KONG theme has comparable (and Oscar-winning) stop-motion special effects by Willis O'Brien and Ray Harryhausen, but no matching storyline, and Moore is no Fay Wray. Mr. Young is good, though."

 

 

Natalie Wood

Bio:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalie_Wood

Robots (2005)

In a robot world, a young idealistic inventor travels to the big city to join his inspiration's company, only to find himself opposing its sinister new management.

Set in a quite imaginative future this is fun to watch, if sometimes a bit too fast-paced.

On renewed viewing: I still agree with my first assessment.

Maltin**1/2: "Inventive CG-animated film has dazzling production design...; the script is less magical, with an alarming number of  derriere jokes, but still entertaining, with a lively voice cast, including various celebrity cameos."

Madeline Smith

Bio:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeline_Smith

The Factory (2012)

An obsessed cop is on the trail of a serial killer prowling the streets of Buffalo, N.Y. but when his teenage daughter disappears, he drops any professional restraint to get the killer.

Cliche-ridden crime thriller with an unsatisfying twist ending; John Cusack's over-the-top performance as the obsessed cop doesn't help, either.

The Great Escape (1963)

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

After getting in a car accident, a woman is held in a shelter with two men, who claim the outside world is affected by a widespread chemical attack.

Although the plot is not quiteinventive, the movie does make the best to turn this closed room drama into a psychological thriller; the cast helps, and John Goodman is  a treat.

Blade Runner (1982)